Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition which is triggered by traumatic life events and experiences. It causes severe impairment in daily functioning, especially impacting one’s physical, mental and social well- being. PTSD usually results after any sort of assault, trauma, loss of a job or loved one, or serious accident. It affects thousands of people each year globally. Understanding what PTSD is all about, its causes, symptoms and treatment will help one to overcome from those thoughts and regain a full control over their lives.
Causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD usually arises after a triggering incident in an individual’s life causing difficulty to cope with the event and the stressor. Common causes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are:
- Physical, Mental and Sexual Abuse: Individuals who have experienced any form of physical, mental or sexual assault such as rape, threatened or touched inappropriately may have a higher chance of developing the condition. Even though the physical harm may be healed but the mental harm requires the treatment of a psychiatrist for PTSD.
- Accidents and Natural Disasters: Accidents such as car clashes and natural disasters like floods and earthquakes may be a contributing factor for developing post traumatic stress disorder. Individuals may find it hard to overcome the thoughts of such a life- threatening incident and lead to heightened fear responses.
- Loss of a Loved One: This is a common cause of PTSD. The untimely or a sudden death of a loved one such as family members and friends can lead one depression and further convert that to a lifelong grieving process causing PTSD.
- Childhood Abuse and Trauma: An individual who has been bullied in school or experienced harsh childhood living environment may be vulnerable to the condition, which can further cause unstable relationships and other forms of mental health conditions.
- Environmental Factors: Parenting style plays a crucial role in developing the condition. Individuals with authoritarian, permissive or uninvolved parents have a higher chance of developing PTSD later in life. Unhealthy living conditions such as witnessing regular quarrels at home may make them vulnerable to the condition.
- Medical Trauma: Experiencing stressful medical procedures such as surgery or other life-threatening illness may also trigger PTSD.
Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic stress disorder manifest in a variety of forms affecting one’s physical and mental health, relationships, quality of life and overall functioning. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to other co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression and substance abuse. Common symptoms of PTSD can develop within weeks of the incident or may take up to years to develop the condition.
- Physical Symptoms of PTSD:
- Excessive sweating.
- Increase heart palpitation or rapid breathing.
- Sleepless, pain and digestive issues.
- Psychological Symptoms of PTSD:
- Irritability, aggressiveness and restlessness.
- Social withdrawal or isolation.
- Persistent negative thought pattens.
- Feeling shame or guilt.
- Feeling of worthlessness or hopelessness.
- Nightmares related to the trauma
- Continuous fear of any incident related to it.
- Behavioural Symptoms of PTSD:
- Engaging in risky behaviours such as reckless driving.
- Engaging in unhealthy practices like smoking, drinking or abusing drugs.
- Avoiding people or places that may remind one of the incidents.
- Cognitive Symptoms of PTSD:
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Attentional deficits or issues in decision making.
- Difficulty in problem solving or calculations.
- Confusion or memory difficulties.
- Loss of interest in hobbies or pleasurable activities.
Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD can be a life struggling condition where the treatment is the only option to help one manage their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Treatment for PTSD involve:
- Psychotherapy for the Treatment of PTSD: Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy, which is the most effective form of treatment for PTSD. The different psychotherapies used are:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This helps an individual to identify their negative thought pattern and change them to positive and affirmative ones. A type of CBT which is trauma focused CBT, focuses on the trauma itself and helps one to process it in a healthier way.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy involves guided eye movement while trying to recall the traumatic incident which helps to reduce the emotional impact of the incident.
- Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy involves the person gradually being exposed to traumatic memories and situations which further helps to reduce the fear and anxiety related to events which are traumatic.
- Group Therapy: Group therapy for PTSD opens up the space for sharing and learning from each other’s experience, thereby providing a sense of responsibility, accountability and reduces the feeling of isolation.
- Medication Management Used for Treating PTSD: Common medications which are prescribed for symptoms related to PTSD such as anxiety and insomnia are:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for treating depression, panic attack, phobia, and anxiety.
- Anti-anxiety Medications for short term relief.
- Prazosin to help manage sleep issues and nightmares.
- Complementary Therapies Used in a Rehabilitation Centre for PTSD: Common types of alternative methods of treatment used are:
- Mindfulness Practices and Meditation: This provides them an insight of their condition and helps to relax their mind.
- Yoga and Breathing Exercises: This increases their awareness and improves their mood.
- Art and Music Therapy: This helps to express one’s emotions creatively.
- Lifestyle Changes: Recovery from PTSD can also be possible through lifestyle changes such as:
- Avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs.
- Maintaining a balanced diet and prioritizing timely sleep.
- Building a strong support group of friends and family.
Athena Behavioral Health for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Psychiatrist
Athena Behavioural Health in Delhi, NCR, India serves as a premier rehabilitation centre for the treatment of PTSD. Athena BHS has an experienced team of psychiatrists for PTSD who provides individualized treatment plan involving a combination of evidence-based therapies along with complementary methods of treatment supporting lifelong recovery. The best near me rehab centre’s primary focus is on improving the overall well-being of the individual, help one recover completely and live a fruitful life.
Conclusion
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stressful mental health condition which affects one’s daily functioning of life. Understanding its symptoms, causes and the available treatment options may help one to avail the right treatment and take the first step towards recovery. If you or your loved one is struggling with PTSD, contact the best treatment centre for PTSD and overcome the effects of trauma, thereby building resilience and strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1 – Can a person develop PTSD after years of the traumatic incident?
Answer 1 – Yes, symptoms of PTSD can be seen months or years after the incident has occurred. A specific date, place, song or other triggering factors may escalate the memory of the individual and result in PTSD.
Question 2 – Can a child experience PTSD?
Answer 2 – Yes, children can as well develop PTSD. However, children may have symptoms such as bedwetting and thumb sucking which is not commonly seen in adults.
Question 3 – Is PTSD curable?
Answer 3 – PTSD is not always 100% curable. But symptoms can be managed and condition can be treated.
Question 4 – Can PTSD cause physical health issues?
Answer 4 – Yes, PTSD can cause severe form of physical health issues such as cardiovascular infection, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and weakened immune function resulted due to persistent stress.
Question 5 – Is genetic a cause of PTSD?
Answer 5 – PTSD is commonly not passed on genetically. However, a strong family history of mental health issues may increase the risk of developing the condition.
